Emmitt Smith, an iconic figure in Dallas Cowboys history, has never been one to shy away from voicing his opinions on the current state of his former team. Recently, Smith has leveled pointed criticism at the Cowboys' management, highlighting perceived missteps in their handling of key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. At 55 years old and nearly 20 years into his retirement, Smith's voice still carries significant weight in the football world, and his words have ignited conversation and concern among fans and analysts alike.
Concerns Over Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb
Smith has expressed deep concern over what he sees as the undue pressure being placed on quarterback Dak Prescott. "He is a very, very valuable asset to the Dallas Cowboys. He is a very, very valuable asset to Dak Prescott. Without him on the football field, they're putting all of the pressure on Dak Prescott now. And that is unacceptable," Smith remarked, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate support for the team's franchise quarterback. Prescott, currently playing under the final year of his contract, is facing a crucial season, which makes the surrounding team dynamics all the more critical.
The situation with CeeDee Lamb further complicates matters. Lamb is currently holding out due to contractual issues, a move that Smith believes seriously undermines the team's offensive capabilities. "He should be in a position, as your franchise quarterback, he should be in a position to be successful. And right now you putting him behind the eight ball. And that is not right," Smith critiqued, underscoring the ripple effects Lamb's absence could have on Prescott's performance and overall team morale.
Organizational Challenges and Super Bowl Drought
Smith's critique extends beyond individual players to an organizational level. The Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl in over two decades, a painful reality for a franchise with such a storied history. "Over the last 20-some odd years, watching our team get to the playoffs time and time again, being told that we're going to do better. This is going to be a Super Bowl year for us. And we just get completely let down," Smith lamented, encapsulating the frustration felt by many in the Cowboys' fanbase.
This long-standing drought has led Smith to call for a comprehensive reassessment within the organization. "We have to try, as an organization, we have to go and do a complete assessment in terms of the organization itself. What is our mission? And how does our mission align with the football team?" he questioned, pointing to a seeming disconnect between the franchise's goals and its on-field performance. "On the surface we would think everything is in alignment. But to me, I think there's a little disconnect there. And we need to resolve that fairly quickly because 20-some odd years, man, that's a long time," Smith added, urging for swift and decisive action to correct course.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Smith's insights highlight several key issues that the Cowboys must navigate. The decision to let Tony Pollard go via free agency has left a significant void in the running game, one that the team is now attempting to fill by leaning heavily on Ezekiel Elliott. Meanwhile, Brandin Cooks has stepped in as the Cowboys' No. 2 wideout, a role that comes with its own set of pressures and expectations.
The compounded effect of these transitions and contractual disputes could shape the upcoming season in pivotal ways. Smith's candid assessment serves as both a critique and a call to action, inviting the Cowboys' leadership to address these concerns proactively. Whether or not the team heeds these warnings remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Cowboys' path to reclaiming their former glory is fraught with challenges that demand attention, and Smith's voice continues to resonate as a beacon for change.